Newspaper Article 1929 – “759” Chinese Musical Mystery Play a Brilliant Success

“759”

CHINESE MUSICAL MYSTERY PLAY.

A BRILLIANT SUCCESS.

When the Hastings Orphans’ Club set out to present to the Hastings public their original Chinese musical mystery comedy “759”, they probably did not realise just what a big thing they were tackling, for as anyone with even the slightest smattering of stage experience (amateur or professional) knows full well in the production of a play set amidst Eastern surroundings only the greatest attention to the smallest detail in the settings which must be of a somewhat magnificent grandeur, can make the production a success apart from the actual dialogue itself.  Once on their way the Orphans realised what they were up against, but in their characteristic way, they set to work to surmount all difficulties.  They succeeded and last night in their presentation of “759” they scored the greatest amateur triumph Hastings has ever witnessed.  This triumph was made all the more real on account of the fact that the whole production was not only produced and acted by the members of the club themselves, but they also wrote the thrilling story and designed the magnificent scenery and settings.  In connection with the writing of the play, the names of Orphans H. G. Davies and L. Fail might be substituted for the word “they” for the dialogue and in fact the whole of the production was the work of these two Orphans, and the great success scored is a tribute to the fine work.

The story itself which centred round the famous Jewels of the Sung Dynasty and the operations of a mysterious order known as “759” was told in two acts in a stage setting which represented the throne room of the palace of the President of China, and really these oriental settings were magnificent.  The black interior was lined in gold and at the back reposed the great hideous but awe inspiring confessional Buddha, the most gracious God of all China.  The president himself was seated on a magnificent “throne of fiery dragons.” and with real oriental touch the pagoda like outlines in glistening gold and sombre black were featured.  The torture chamber from which an amazing conjuring act was presented was a revelation in Chinese mystery temples and the great sedan chair was of glorious design and workmanship, and then there were the magnificent Sung Jewels, which were mainly responsible for the whole story, and these it is said were an exact replica of the famous jewels which belonged to the Manchu Monarchy when China was living through its golden age.

Mystery is the key note of the whole story, and it is not till the very end that one discovers just who “759” really is, and in the working up to the climax many novel effects are introduced.  Possibly the most mystifying of these was the scene in which the “ghost” walked to steal the Manchu jewels, and incidentally revealed his identity. The “fear and fright” scene was also well done.

The main character of the show was Orphan Len Wood, who played the part of Ben Gluck, a sailor deserter, and on his shoulders was built up practically the whole of the comedy element.  Orphan Wood came through his big part with colours flying, for the laughter commenced when he made his first appearance and it was still going strong when the final curtain fell.  There is no doubt that Orphan Wood is a real comedian, and his solos, “A Negg and some ‘am and a N’Onion,” “It’s Lovely to be in Love” were really fine.  With Orphan L. Fail and H. Poppelwell, he also made a great hit in the “Fear and Fright” song.  Orphan F. S. Byrne took his part as president “Chang Ching Chong” in a wonderfully convincing manner and was heard in the opening chorus and solo “Chang Ching Chong” and “The President’s Scimitar”.  Orphan F. E. Rivers made a very dignified army general, Lee Wong, but unfortunately was suffering from a very heavy cold.  Despite this, however he sang a very pleasing duet, “My Jewel” with Orphan C. Wrighton who made a very dainty and delightful Yim Yim, the president’s daughter.  Orphan L. Fail was seen to good advantage as Leng Feng, the Manchu monarch, and his “daughter,” Orphan H Poppelwell, played that part to perfection.  Orphan Poppelwell was responsible for a magnificent dance which brought a thunder of applause from the large audience.  As Elizabeth Carrington-Small, an English tourist, Orphan F. Murtagh, played the part well, and his singing of “High on the Hill Top” was really delightful.   Orphan E.G. Stevenson also made a very convincing English tourist and his singing of “Kissing Time” was one of the vocal gems of the evening.  As Onang Lee, a mad Manchu, Orphan T. Heighway had only a short part, but he had it off as a fine art.

Whilst the whole of the principals got through their work so well, there is little doubt that a big percentage of “759” success, was due to the work of the chorus, who sang well, danced well, dressed well and in fact just nicely finished off the whole show.  The “ladies” of the chorus were particularly good, and these minor parts were taken by the following – President’s bodyguard, Orphans T. Emerson, T. Williams, A. J. Jones, P. Hannah, B. Fleming, F. Pipe and B. A. Sanders;  Chinese maidens, Orphans  T. Thompson, H Barden, H. Cooper, S. Woon, G. Henry, C. Palmer, H. Tucker, E. Hawkins; Chinese men, Orphans H.J. Sanders, W. Vance, E. Ellis.

The Orphans’ Orchestra under conduction Bryant rendered the incidental music and added to the effect with their appearance in Chinese make-ups.

There is no doubt that “759” is the most ambitious amateur entertainment ever attempted in Hastings, but it was carried through as an outstanding success.  It will be repeated again tonight when a final opportunity will be afforded of witnessing this fine entertainment.